Funding that keeps deals moving

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For SMEs facing sudden funding gaps, timing is everything. Brokers are increasingly turning to faster, more flexible lending solutions to keep businesses on track

IT WAS 5 p.m. on a Friday when a broker called. Her client, a small manufacturing firm, had an unexpected supplier invoice due the following week. The bank’s turnaround would leave the business exposed, and payroll and supplier relationships were on the line. The broker needed a solution she could place quickly, with certainty and minimal rework for her client. Bizcap answered the call. That late-stage, high-pressure moment is exactly where experienced brokers say non-bank lenders can add the most value. For brokers balancing multiple SME clients, speed, flexibility and predictable outcomes are powerful differentiators. Bizcap specialises in commercial lending for small and medium enterprises, with short-term loans to plug urgent cash gaps and a flexible line of credit that gives businesses ongoing access to funds without the need to reapply for each drawdown.

Bizcap is a global non-bank business lender offering fast, flexible funding to SMEs in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, Europe, the US and Canada. Founded in 2019, Bizcap empowers SMEs by offering approvals in as little as three hours, with same-day funding available. Bizcap has funded more than 100,000 SMEs, totalling $5 billion globally, while holding a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating. For more information, visit bizcap.co.uk

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Brokers at the centre of SME funding

In 2023, commercial finance brokers facilitated £38 billion in lending to UK SMEs, down from £45 billion in 2022 but still historically high.

“Brokers need a funding partner that moves at the pace of small business”

Albert Gahfi, Bizcap

Fast solutions for urgent gaps SMEs hit cash flow pinch points for many reasons: delayed receivables, seasonal stock purchases, one-off emergency expenses. Traditional bank lending can be slow and rigid, but non-bank lenders that offer short-term loans are designed to bridge these immediate needs. They provide quick access to capital for defined periods so clients can meet obligations without the friction of lengthy approvals. “Brokers need a funding partner that moves at the pace of

small business,” says Bizcap’s global co-CEO and co-founder Albert Gahfi. “Our term loans give clients the breathing space they need, and they give brokers a dependable product they can place with confidence. We work with brokers to understand the situation quickly and structure a solution that solves the immediate problem while protecting the client’s longer-term position.” Unlike standard term loans that demand extensive financial reshaping, Bizcap’s facilities focus on pragmatic underwriting, clear covenants and an agreed exit path. That clarity removes ambiguity for brokers and SMEs, so a temporary need does not become a long-term drag on the business.

A line of credit that works like a safety net For many SMEs, uncertainty is the only certainty. That’s why flexibility matters. Bizcap’s line of credit gives clients ongoing access to funds without having to reapply for every drawdown. That removes administrative overhead and helps businesses react quickly when cash is needed. “A line of credit is a game-changer for brokers advising small businesses,” explains Sasha Berg, managing partner at Bizcap UK. “With our line of credit, brokers can offer clients a ready source of funds for when timing matters most. We support brokers every step of the way, from product advice to a simplified application, so clients get access to cash quickly and with confidence.” For brokers, the line of credit reduces the risk of client attrition. Clients who have flexible, pre-approved access to funding are less likely to chase competitors when a shortfall arises. From the broker’s perspective, it’s a product that helps protect client relationships and creates repeat advisory opportunities. How Bizcap works with brokers Brokers are central to Bizcap’s distribution strategy. Rather than treating brokers as an afterthought, Bizcap invests in direct, practical support: clear product guides, proactive communication

and a single point of contact through their BDM team. That means when a broker needs an urgent answer, they are not put through layers of process; they get a real person who understands SME lending and can move the deal forward. On the operational side, Bizcap aims to remove common friction points that slow deals down. Bizcap’s online partner portal collects only the documents required, and their BDMs provide pre-application checks so brokers can assess suitability before submitting. Bizcap publishes clear timelines and conditional lists so brokers and clients know what to expect at each stage. For settlement, Bizcap provides bundled settlement support and flexible funding options that align with the client’s cash flow cycle. The combination of lean documentation, rapid credit decisions and hands-on BDM assistance enables brokers to give clients faster answers, reduce the risk of surprises and increase the likelihood of successful settlement. Consider a typical placement: a hospitality operator faces a £150,000 gap ahead of peak season while waiting on receivables. A broker calls Bizcap, and after a fast assessment they approve a term loan to cover stock and labour costs. The borrower draws funds within days, preserves supplier relationships and sails through peak trading. Later, the business takes out a line of credit, giving them immediate flexibility to navigate the next season. Stories like this show how practical, well-structured products protect businesses and help brokers retain clients.

Published May 4, 2026

Published DD MMM 2026

“We support brokers every step of the way, from product advice to a simplified application, so clients get access to cash quickly and with confidence”

Sasha Berg, Bizcap UK

69% of total lending from commercial lenders to smaller businesses in 2023 was conducted via their broker channels.

32% of small businesses successfully funded via NACFB members in 2023 had been previously declined for finance elsewhere.

The big four banks’ share of smaller business bank lending fell from around 63% in 2014 to a series low of 41% in 2023, as challenger banks and non-bank lenders gained ground.

Challenger and specialist banks provided 60% of gross UK SME bank lending in 2025, up from 39% in 2012, reflecting a major shift away from the big four towards newer players.

In the UK, 37% of asset finance was provided by non-bank lenders in 2023–2024, underlining the growing role of non-bank providers in SME finance.

Why non-bank and specialist lenders matter now

Differentiation in a competitive market The aim of non-bank lenders like Bizcap is not to replace traditional banks but rather to complement them. Banks bring scale and low cost for mainstream lending, while Bizcap brings agility and a willingness to underwrite where rigid bank constraints make little commercial sense. That difference is crucial for SMEs with non-standard cash flows or seasonal businesses that need working capital solutions that flex with them. Rhys Cunnah, Bizcap UK’s chief commercial officer, says the lender’s competitive advantage is straightforward.

“We do the hard underwriting work so brokers don’t have to,” he says. “Our products are structured to be pragmatic and outcome-oriented. That allows brokers to say yes more often to clients who would otherwise fall between the cracks.” For brokers working in the SME space, the ability to close funding gaps quickly and reliably is a commercial advantage. Bizcap’s term loans and line of credit offer two complementary solutions: immediate liquidity for urgent needs and flexible access to capital for ongoing resilience. Backed by dedicated broker support, pragmatic underwriting and a focus on outcomes, Bizcap is positioned to help brokers deliver certainty to SME clients. Interested to know more? To explore how Bizcap can support your clients and grow your opportunities, partner up today.

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